McHenry County Faces Water Shortage

Groundwater resources could become strained in one northern Illinois county. The Illinois State Water Survey says McHenry County faces that problem over the next three to four decades.

In issuing the warning, the survey cited a study that looked at water levels from more than 300 wells between 1994 and 2011. Researchers also used computer models to simulate groundwater flow. The results suggest there may be enough drawdown from deep wells, that production could be affected by 2030.

Officials also say there could be significant drawdown near shallow well fields that supply public water systems.

Overall, the report says the situation could potentially cause local water shortages. And it says it could cause detrimental effects to the ecology of local streams.